Matthew Wade Questions Cricket Australia's Integrity After The Board Names Him The Captain For IND vs AUS T20I Series
Australia’s interim T20 captain, Matthew Wade, has addressed questions about his leadership role on the tour of India, emphasizing his desire to be a senior figure in the team for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States, though uncertainties loom regarding his status as the first-choice wicketkeeper.
Matthew Wade’s appointment as the captain of Australia’s T20 squad for the five-match series against India raised eyebrows, but it had long been in the pipeline, with selectors mindful of managing the workloads of senior players.
Currently, Australia lacks a permanent T20I captain, with Mitchell Marsh recently filling the role in the South Africa series, following Aaron Finch’s retirement. Marsh, however, is being rested from the series against India to prepare for the upcoming home Test summer. Notably, ODI and Test captain Pat Cummins, along with Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Cameron Green, is also absent from the tour.
Matthew Wade, who served as Finch’s vice-captain, had led Australia in seven T20Is when Finch was injured, including the final group stage game of the 2022 T20 World Cup against Afghanistan. Initially, Wade was not selected for the South Africa series as selectors aimed to provide Josh Inglis with an opportunity behind the stumps. Nevertheless, Wade ended up touring South Africa as an injury replacement for Glenn Maxwell, though he didn’t play.
In a recent interview, Matthew Wade confessed that he hadn’t actively pursued a leadership role but believed in letting one’s performance dictate these matters. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to captain in a country as enjoyable as India and for being considered for a senior role in the team.
He said, “I’ve never really strived so much for leadership,” he said. “I think you kind of look after your own backyard and those things kind of take care of themselves.
Matthew Wade Wants To Be The First Choice Wicketkeeper For T20 World Cup In 2024
While Wade’s leadership credentials are gaining attention, his on-field contributions remain significant. His decision to skip Shield cricket for Tasmania last summer and instead participate in various T20 leagues worldwide has allowed him to maintain his form and hunger for international cricket.
Matthew Wade acknowledges the competition from Josh Inglis, who has excelled as the No.1 ODI wicketkeeper-batter. While both players have been named in the squad to face India, Matthew Wade is set to assume the role of captain and first-choice wicketkeeper. However, he remains uncertain about his role at the T20 World Cup next year, indicating his willingness to adapt to whatever position the team requires.
The T20 series against India is expected to mark the beginning of Australia’s preparations for the T20 World Cup in 2023. With limited T20Is scheduled before the tournament, Matthew Wade is excited to witness emerging talents stepping up in India, as several senior players have been rested, and the squad features some promising young cricketers.
As the T20 World Cup looms on the horizon, Australia’s mission to defend their title begins in earnest, with Wade and the team eager to make their mark on the world stage once again.
